Living in Calgary often means making the most of limited space. If your front yard or backyard feels tiny, don’t worry, you can create the illusion of a much larger garden with a few clever tricks. Here’s how to work magic and turn your small lot into a stunning oasis.
Small Yard, Big Impact: The Power of Design
Take a look at this tiny front yard—notice the distance from the sidewalk to the house steps. It appears much bigger thanks to:
- Diagonal walkway that guides the eye
- Berm with shrubbery creating height and depth
- Secluded deck in the background for privacy and outdoor living
With smart planning, even small spaces can feel expansive.
The Magic Tricks for Making Your Garden Look Larger
1. Create Mystery
- Let visitors discover your garden step by step.
- Use paths that wind behind trees or shrubs.
- Have garden beds jut out to hide features like a deck, statue, or cozy corner.
- Use lattice screens or tall plants to obscure views and add intrigue.
2. Narrow Pathways
- Make pathways that gradually get narrower.
- This tricks the eye into perceiving more depth.
- Remember, there’s no rule that sidewalks or paths have to be the same width all the way.
3. Build Berms & Hills
- Raise planting beds or create berms.
- Hills hide what’s behind them, making space seem larger.
- Golf course designers use this trick with sandtraps and greens—why not you?
4. Use Bright and Dull Colors
- Bright flowers (reds, yellows) up front catch attention.
- Whites, purples, and silvers fade into the background.
- Dull colors recede, adding depth to your garden.
5. Vary Plant Sizes
- Place large-leaved plants near the entrance.
- Use smaller plants further back.
- This complements the color trick and adds perspective.
6. Add Arbors & Structures
- Use arbors or trellises to section off areas.
- They “stop” the eye, creating more perceived space.
- Grow climbing plants like clematis or climbing roses on them for added beauty.
7. Install Mirrors
- Attach a mirror (painted silver plywood) to a fence or at the end of a pathway.
- Mirrors reflect your garden, giving the illusion of endless space.
- Visitors will be amazed trying to “walk into” the reflected garden.
Maximize Your Small Garden with Plants
1. Container Gardening
- Use containers to grow lots of plants in small space.
- Mix plants in large pots or window boxes—think colorful petunias, succulents, or herbs.
- Hang baskets from trees or arbors for vertical interest.
2. Themed Planting
- Group plants with similar needs or aesthetics.
- Drought-tolerant plants like sedums, hens and chicks, gazanias, and cacti are perfect for Calgary’s dry summers.
- Use rocks and pebbles to emphasize the theme.
Practical Tips for Your Water Feature
Thinking of adding a pond or water garden? Here’s what to consider:
- Sunlight: Lilies and other aquatic plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Location: Keep away from large deciduous trees to prevent debris and leaf decay.
- Wildlife: Place the pond where birds will visit but am
- Utilities: Know where your water, electricity, and drainage lines are before digging.
- Safety & Accessibility: Ensure the pond is safe for children, and accessible for maintenance.
- Fencing: Use creative fencing materials like bamboo or plant screens to enclose your pond without making it look industrial.
Turn Small Spaces into Functional Gardens
5. Do You Want an Orchard?
- Full-size trees are out of the question, but espalier is your answer.
- Prune and train fruit trees (apples, apricots, cherries, grapes) along fences or walls.
- This adds charm and fruit without taking up much space.
6. Make Your Front Yard a Retreat
- Tear out boring grass and create a space you love.
- Turn it into a rose garden, plant corn and sunflowers, or build a lattice for climbing vines.
- Add a shallow ditch with stones to mimic a stream.
- Load the space with blueberries and raspberries—who needs a cottage?
7. Use the Boulevard
- If you have a boulevard strip, plant a curving flower bed.
- Keep it non-permanent—no big trees or shrubs—so it’s easy to change.
- Make it look like your personal walkway, bringing you closer to your plants and nature.
Think Big in a Small Space
Remember: there’s no such thing as a small yard—only small-minded ideas! With a little creativity, you can turn any space into a lush, inviting, and functional garden.
So get inspired, plan smart, and start working your magic in your Calgary garden today!
